Method

In large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat; cook apples, stirring often, until tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in almonds, honey, lemon juice and salt. Scrape into bowl; refrigerate until lukewarm, about 20 minutes.

In small microwaveable bowl, microwave remaining butter until melted. Place 1 sheet of the phyllo on work surface; keep remaining sheets covered with damp towel (to prevent drying out). Lightly brush phyllo with some of the remaining butter. Top with second sheet of the phyllo; lightly brush with some of the remaining butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo and some of the remaining butter. Halve layers lengthwise; cut crosswise into thirds to make 6 squares.

Press 1 square into bottom and up side of each well of 6-count muffin pan, leaving overhang. Divide apple mixture among cups; fold overhang over top of filling. Brush tops of phyllo with remaining butter. Bake in 350°F oven until golden, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes; transfer to serving plates. Dust with icing sugar.

The Ultimate Beef Stew

This classic warm-you-up stew becomes even more comforting when made with well-marbled pot roast rather than the usual stewing beef. The fat melts slowly as it cooks, tenderizing the beef into juicy melt-in-your-mouth morsels. A slow finish in the oven gives the stew its rich, hearty texture.

Method

In large bowl, whisk together flour, salt and pepper; toss with beef to coat.

In large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of the butter and the oil over medium heat; working in small batches, cook beef, stirring, until browned, about 20 minutes total. Using slotted spoon, remove to bowl; set aside.

Cover and braise in 350 F (180 C) oven for 45 minutes. Stir in cocktail onions; cover and braise for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook until vegetables are tender and beef offers no resistance when pierced with tip of knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in peas; cook for 5 minutes.

Skim any fat from surface of stew; remove thyme, parsley and bay leaves. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Change it up - The Ultimate Beef and Mushroom Stew: In large Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat; cook 1 pkg (227 g) button or cremini mushrooms, trimmed, stirring occasionally, until tender, golden and no liquid remains, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove to bowl; set aside. Continue with recipe as directed, returning mushrooms to Dutch oven along with beef.

Method

In stand mixer with paddle attachment, or in bowl using wooden spoon, beat together butter, icing sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy; stir in flour just until combined.

Press dough into parchment paper– lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square cake pan. Using palm of hand, flatten to make smooth, even surface. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Using knife, score surface of dough into 24 rectangles; prick each cookie several times with fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Bake in 300 F (150 C) oven until firm and pale golden, about 55 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes; cut through score lines. Let cool completely in pan. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.)

Spinach and Artichoke Pissaldière

Pissalidière, a flaky pizza-like tart, is traditionally topped with onions, anchovies and, at times, tomatoes. Here, we've swapped out the anchovies for artichokes to make these bites even more crowd-pleasing, and we've added spinach for a stunning pop of colour.

Method

On parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheet, unroll 1 sheet of the pastry. Top with half each of the onion mixture, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. On separate baking sheet, repeat with remaining pastry, onion mixture, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Bake, 1 sheet at time, in 425°F oven until edges are golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Cut each sheet into 16 squares.

Tip from The Test Kitchen: If the onion begins to stick to the skillet, add up to a tablespoon of water, a little at a time.